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Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

News

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Where to find a trendy Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit

Where to find the Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit.

The spritz is looking a little less orange these days.The big picture: Although Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, the pale green Hugo spritz — typically made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and soda water with mint and lime for garnish — is emerging as a major summer cocktail.

Michigan kids fall behind in new well-being report

New data shows worsening outcomes for children across the country.

Health

Children&#x27;s well-being has gotten worse in Michigan and dozens of other states in the last several years, according to a new report measuring economic, health and community data.Why it matters: Kids&#x27; ability to thrive affects future workforce participation and economic growth — a point Mayor Mary Sheffield <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently made" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/29/sheffields-pro-business-case-on-poverty" data-vars-content-id="96bdcaa5-92ed-4664-8407-23692e7aea65" data-vars-headline="Michigan kids fall behind in new well-being report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/29/sheffields-pro-business-case-on-poverty" target="_self">recently made</a> to Michigan business leaders to convince them to help alleviate childhood poverty.

Tips for giving blood in Metro Detroit

Sunday is World Blood Donor Day, and demand for blood donations rises in the summer.

Things to Do

Blood donation groups&#x27; needs increase during the summer — so Sunday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Blood Donor Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day" data-vars-content-id="11001dbd-db3d-4e9b-98db-a064786c7c44" data-vars-headline="Tips for giving blood in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day" target="_blank">World Blood Donor Day</a> may be the time to roll up your sleeve.Why it matters: In the hot months, demand for blood goes up as more accidents occur, while donations fall with high-school and college-student donors taking a hiatus, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="C&amp;G Newspapers reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.candgnews.com/news/blood-donation-groups-need-donors-especially-for-the-summer--11065" data-vars-content-id="11001dbd-db3d-4e9b-98db-a064786c7c44" data-vars-headline="Tips for giving blood in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.candgnews.com/news/blood-donation-groups-need-donors-especially-for-the-summer--11065" target="_blank">C&amp;G Newspapers reported</a>.

Michigan earns B- on maternal mental health care

A new report highlights progress and ongoing care shortages.

Many people struggling with maternal mental health are left untreated, experts say as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://policycentermmh.org/2026-maternal-mental-health-state-report-cards/" data-vars-content-id="1a77ad14-c012-4be0-89da-7b9cdff50341" data-vars-headline="Michigan earns B- on maternal mental health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://policycentermmh.org/2026-maternal-mental-health-state-report-cards/" target="_blank">new report</a> grades states on the quality of the care they provide.Why it matters: About one in five U.S. moms experience maternity-related mental health conditions like postpartum depression, and most don&#x27;t get the treatment they need.

Detroit Parks Coalition brings free summer events to 50 parks

More free yoga, fishing, group walks and other park events return across Detroit this summer.

Walking is king this summer at Detroit&#x27;s parks.Why it matters: A stroll is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best things" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643563/" data-vars-content-id="860145f0-9b5c-4c2c-a139-86d12e3c2c20" data-vars-headline="Detroit Parks Coalition brings free summer events to 50 parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643563/" target="_blank">best things</a> you can do for your heart, body and brain.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Parks Coalition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitparkscoalition.com/who-we-are" data-vars-content-id="860145f0-9b5c-4c2c-a139-86d12e3c2c20" data-vars-headline="Detroit Parks Coalition brings free summer events to 50 parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitparkscoalition.com/who-we-are" target="_blank">Detroit Parks Coalition</a> is doubling down on the combined benefits of walking and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="socialization" data-vars-click-url="https://www.birchpsychology.com/birchs-blog/2023/4/24/why-we-need-socialization" data-vars-content-id="860145f0-9b5c-4c2c-a139-86d12e3c2c20" data-vars-headline="Detroit Parks Coalition brings free summer events to 50 parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.birchpsychology.com/birchs-blog/2023/4/24/why-we-need-socialization" target="_blank">socialization</a> by expanding its summer We Walk Detroit program.</li></ul>

Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building

Cancer survivors, family members and caregivers are sought for portraits on the historic CPA Building.

An arts nonprofit is still seeking participants for a public art exhibition in Corktown featuring 103 portraits of local cancer survivors and family members.The big picture: Grand Rapids-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lions &amp; Rabbits Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" data-vars-content-id="57be8e61-7a3b-45c1-8161-e09f728867dc" data-vars-headline="Cancer survivors sought for portraits planned on Corktown building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lionsandrabbits.com/placemaking/detroit" target="_blank">Lions &amp; Rabbits Center</a> plans to install prints of hand-painted portraits on the wedge-shaped CPA Building at a prominent corner of Michigan Avenue, across from Michigan Central.

Mental health providers face burnout, shortages

Providers say stigma is easing, but care is harder to find.

Metro Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="11afa92b-7b89-4bce-a11d-852cdefc1de9" data-vars-headline="Mental health providers face burnout, shortages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/11/politics-hamper-young-lgbtq-michiganders-mental-health" target="_self">mental health</a> providers say the stigma around therapy is easing. The harder part now: finding care.Why it matters: Mental Health Awareness Month arrives as more people are willing to ask for help, but therapists are increasingly strained by burnout, staffing shortages and competition from private companies.

Black Michiganders face wide health disparities

A new report shows racial health gaps persist across Michigan.

Black Michiganders continue to experience massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disparities in health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/27/us-health-care-inequities-report" data-vars-content-id="b24a690d-c43b-44fb-a041-24f2d4ac4e87" data-vars-headline="Black Michiganders face wide health disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/27/us-health-care-inequities-report" target="_self">disparities in health care</a>, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" data-vars-content-id="b24a690d-c43b-44fb-a041-24f2d4ac4e87" data-vars-headline="Black Michiganders face wide health disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" target="_blank">new national study</a>.Why it matters: No state has eliminated health disparities between racial and ethnic groups — and researchers warn recent federal policy shifts are likely to widen them.

Be prepared this tick season in Michigan

Ticks and Lyme disease are surging, but you can take simple preventative steps.

With the weather warming, tick season has already begun in Michigan, bringing the risk of Lyme disease.Why it matters: Cases have surged in recent years, but simple precautions can help you avoid getting bitten.

Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants

Nearly every county in Michigan failed to meet the herd immunity threshold for measles.

Amid a growing measles outbreak, the Michigan State Medical Society is urging families to talk with their doctors about vaccinating their infants early.Why it matters: Measles is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severely contagious disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/immunizations/public/measles" data-vars-content-id="1ed7ae49-9442-45a4-8d9b-6b9bac60f56b" data-vars-headline="Michigan doctors urge early measles shots for infants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/immunizations/public/measles" target="_blank">severely contagious disease</a> marked by rashes and fevers that can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5.

Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets

One factor driving health care cost increases is rising hospital consolidation.

Nearly half of Michigan hospitals are in a highly concentrated market, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" data-vars-content-id="d5394232-3bb4-4191-8fa2-17363af0c40c" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Michigan hospitals in concentrated markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthcareaffordabilitylab.org/commentary-press-release-posts/a-ranking-of-all-50-states-by-hospital-consolidation" target="_blank">blog post</a> from Yale&#x27;s new Health Care Affordability Lab.Why it matters: As rising health care costs put more financial strain on Americans, &quot;one major and underappreciated factor driving price increases is rising consolidation among U.S. hospitals,&quot; the blog post argues.

Health 🩺

Michigan kids fall behind in new well-being report

Tips for giving blood in Metro Detroit

Michigan earns B- on maternal mental health care

Find CPR training in Michigan this National CPR Awareness Week

Detroit Parks Coalition brings free summer events to 50 parks